Hansel and Gretel, the beloved youth from a tale penned by author Hans Christian Andersen continue their story in this movie taking place 15 years after their encounter with the witch that lured them to her house made of candy. Now celebrated witch hunters, the siblings hunt as a team intent on destroying the evil that usually follows in this not-so-family-friendly R rated fairy tale adventure that is, well, just plain fun.

Most times, children's stories mixed with R ratings disappoint. The R rating here contributes to the film's enjoyment allowing audiences to either cheer in celebration or grimace in disgust when blood, brains and broomstick riders splatter across the screen (see it in 3D — it's even better!). "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" successfully walks the line between seriousness and cheesiness and entertains to the end.

Starring Jeremy Renner ("The Avengers"), Gemma Arterton ("Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time") and more, "Hansel & Gretel" is definitely not a bedtime tale for the kiddos. Blending a little bit of "Van Helsing" and "Sherlock Holmes" with "Blade" and "Red Riding Hood," "Hansel & Gretel" is a fun mix full of action, adventure, violence, blood, humor, romance, witches and trolls that adds to the fun with subtle references to other fairy tales.

While no awards will be given for makeup, original screenplay, costume design, performances or even soundtrack (it ends up blended in a rather forgettable way), it still entertains.

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Regardless of the film's plenteous and laughably predictable plot points, it accomplishes what it set out to do: Be a fun R-rated story that placates the "what ifs" in our mind.

You've always wanted more of the "Hansel & Gretel" story than just "and they lived happily ever after." "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" gives you the "after" and is worth a shot.

3 out of 5 stars

Terrence Faulkner writes film reviews and offers commentary on his blog at thefocusedfilmographer.com. He also talks film on "Take 2 With Terrence" at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays on Comcast channel 98. Follow him @FilmsWith_T on Twitter.